You've probably heard her viral hits on your feed, but who is the singer-rapper Lay Bankz, also known as Layia Watkins?
She has built a huge online following with her music and dance content, gaining more than 4 million followers on TikTok and a popular Instagram profile.
Let's dive into her background, her rise to fame, and what makes her stand out as a digital creator.
How old is Lay Bankz?
Lay Bankz is set to turn 21 in 2025. Her birthday is reportedly on June 11, which makes her a Gemini.
Where is Lay Bankz from?
It seems Lay Bankz is a true Philly girl, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She's said to have grown up in Southwest Philly, and her city's culture often shines through in her work.
Lay Bankz's family and personal life
Lay Bankz seems to have a rich cultural background, with Eritrean roots from her mother's side and African American heritage from her father's. It sounds like her mom was a big musical influence, introducing her to iconic artists during their morning drives to school.
As for her love life, some of her tracks are rumored to be inspired by real relationship drama. She's also shared that she was a super creative kid, trying everything from violin to writing raps from a young age.
Lay Bankz's journey as a creator
Lay Bankz's rise seems to be a perfect mix of raw talent and savvy social media moves.
She apparently started out as a dancer on TikTok, building a platform before revealing her musical talents.
Her career exploded when songs like “Ick” and “Tell Ur Girlfriend” went viral, sparking dance trends across the app.
In 2024, she dropped her debut album, ‘After 7,’ and her single “Tell Ur Girlfriend” even landed on the Billboard Hot 100.
A cool fact: The "Bankz" in her name is reportedly an acronym for 'Billionaires Attract Natural Kinetix Zen.'
What kinds of followers does Lay Bankz have?
Her fanbase appears to be largely made up of teens and young adults who are all over TikTok. They're likely the ones creating and following viral dance challenges and love her mix of R&B, hip-hop, and Jersey club sounds.
It seems her music really connects with a young female audience, especially with her tracks about female empowerment. While she has a strong base in the U.S., her audience is now global, thanks to her songs taking off online.
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